Elastic sizing mechanism

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are disclosed for headwear including a crown and an elasticizing kit, the elasticizing kit including a double-sided sew flange, the double-sided sew flange having a first terminating end opposite a second terminating end, each of the first and second terminating ends including a respective slot for inserting material, a size-adjusting mechanism including at least one strap and adapted to selectively adjust a size of the headwear, the size-adjusting mechanism being coupled to the double-sided sew flange, and an elastomeric strap coupled to the size-adjusting mechanism, the elastomeric strap being attached directly to the slot of the first terminating end of the double-sided sew flange or the slot of the second terminating end of the double-sided sew flange.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/809,038 entitled “ELASTIC SIZING MECHANISM,”filed on Jul. 24, 2015. U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.14/809,038 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/028,772 entitled “FORAGE HAT,” filed on Jul. 24, 2014. U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/809,038 also claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/190,570 entitled “ELASTICSNAPBACK HAT,” filed on Jul. 9, 2015. The entire contents of each of theabove-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference forall purposes.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to headwear including an elastic sizingmechanism.

BACKGROUND

Headwear, such as baseball-style caps, may include both fitted andadjustable variations. While fitted caps may be sized for a particularhead dimension, adjustable caps provide at least some flexibility insizing to fit differently-sized heads. An example adjustment mechanismfor a cap includes a snapback mechanism which is often formed of a pairof plastic tabs that overlap and engage with one another when fastened.One of the tabs includes a plurality of protruding snaps while the othertab includes a plurality of holes for accepting the snaps. The snapbackmechanism allows different head dimensions to be accommodated byengaging an outermost hole on one of the plastic tabs with differentprotruding snaps on the other of the plastic tabs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are disclosed for headwear comprising a crown including acap, and a size-adjusting mechanism extending around a portion of aperimeter of the cap and adapted to selectively adjust a size of thecap. The size-adjusting mechanism may comprise a first tab including aplurality of holes, and a second tab including a plurality of snapsconfigured to engage with the plurality of holes of the first tab, atleast one of the first tab and the second tab being coupled to theperimeter of the cap via an elastic portion attached to a terminal endof a rigid portion of that tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be better understood from reading the followingdescription of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attacheddrawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example headwear in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the example headwear of FIG. 1 including asnapback adjustment mechanism in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom isometric view of the example headwear of FIG. 1in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a detailed view of example snapback adjustmentmechanisms in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show example unlatched tabs of an example snapbackmechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an unextended elastic portion of a tab of an examplesnapback mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8C show example pullable tab elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C show example hook and loop elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10C show example buckle elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11C show example ballistic elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show different views of an example headband includingan elastic sizing adjustment mechanism in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows an example view of overmolding within an example headbandincluding an elastic sizing adjustment mechanism in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an example detail view of overmolding within an exampleelastic member in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a front isometric view of a band including an exampledouble-sided sew flange in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows an example long double-sided sew flange in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an example headband of a hat including a double-sided sewflange in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, adjustable headwear may include snapback mechanismsfor selecting a desired circumference of a bottom portion of the capthat engages with a wearer's head (e.g., a sweatband region of the cap).However, the available sizes of other snapback headwear are bound by thenumber of holes that engage with snaps of the snapback mechanism and thespacings between the holes. In this way, a wearer may have to choosebetween a slightly loose and a slightly tight fit when wearing othersnapback headwear.

In order to address the above-described issues and provide an increasedgranularity to the available sizes of headwear utilizing snapbackmechanisms, the present disclosure provides an elastic snapbackmechanism. The elastic snapback mechanism described herein enables awearer to stretch one or both of the tabs used in the snapback mechanismin order to achieve a comfortably snug fit along a sweatband of theheadwear.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example headwear, such as a hat orheadwear 100. As illustrated, headwear 100 includes a visor 102 and acrown 104. The visor 102 may be attached to, extend from, and/orotherwise be carried by the crown 104 (e.g., a bottom portion of thecrown 104). The crown may comprise a cap configured to extend over a topof a wearer's head. In some embodiments, the crown 104 may include aplurality of panels extending around a circumference of the crown andintersecting at a central region (e.g., affixed to a button 106 on thetop of the crown). In other embodiments the crown 104 may be formed of asingle panel or piece of fabric (e.g., a unibody construction) formingany suitable hat body shape. In some embodiments, each panel (or theentirety of the crown/visor) may include the same type of fabric orother material. In other embodiments, one or more panels (or the crown)may include a different type of material than the other panels (or thevisor).

A headband 202 may extend around at least a portion of the circumferenceof the crown 104 (e.g., along a bottom edge of the crown, away from thebutton 106). The headband 202 may form another panel of the crown 104and/or a junction between the crown and the visor 102. The headband mayextend around at least a portion of the circumference and/or perimeterof the base of the crown (e.g., leaving an opening 206 in the back ofthe crown) and house at least a portion of a sizing mechanism 204. Forexample, headband 202 may be formed from a substantially rectangularpanel that includes terminating ends that are spaced from one anotherand/or that terminate at tabs of the sizing mechanism 204. The size ofthe hat may be adjusted by pulling the terminating ends closer to oneanother (or farther apart) using sizing mechanism 204, which may alsoadjust a size and/or shape of the opening 206.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of headwear 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 including amore detailed view of sizing mechanism 204. Sizing mechanism 204, asillustrated, may form an elastic snapback mechanism. Sizing mechanism204 includes two tabs: a first tab 208 that includes a plurality ofholes 210, and a second tab 212 that includes a plurality of protrudingsnaps 214. The snaps 214 may be sized to engage with holes 210 in asecure manner. For example, the snaps 214 may include a top having alarger diameter than a post from which the top extends. The holes 210may be formed of a material that is flexible enough to allow the holesto expand and/or stretch slightly to allow passage of the top when thetop is inserted into the holes by pressing tabs 208 and 212 together,then constrict under the top to hold the snap in place until a force isapplied to pull the tab 208 away from the tab 212.

As shown, the tabs 208 and 212 may extend into a headband region of theheadwear 100. For example, the headband 202 may include material that isfolded upward from the crown 104 to form a pocket between the headband202 (e.g., which is configured to come into contact with a wearer) andthe outer region of the crown 104. In other embodiments, the headband202 may be sewn to the crown 104 to form the above-described pocket. Oneor more of the tabs 208 and 212 may attach to, extend from, and/orotherwise be carried by a) the surface of the headband 202 that isconfigured to contact the wearer, b) an interior of the above-describedpocket formed between the headband and the outer portion of the crown,and/or c) an exterior of the crown (e.g., away from the headband 202 andaway from the wearer's head. Although illustrated as occupying asubstantially central region of the back of the headwear 100 and/oropening 206, the sizing mechanism may be positioned in other locationsin some embodiments. For example, tabs 208 and 212 may be positioned toa side of the opening or off-centered within the opening when engagedwith one another (e.g., when one or more snaps 214 are positioned withinassociated holes 210).

FIG. 2 also shows a detailed view of example internal structures andattachment locations for an elastic sizing mechanism of headwear 100. Asillustrated, tabs 208 and 212 may include portions comprising differentmaterials. For example, the portions that engage with one another withinthe opening 206 may form a first rigid portion that is formed ofsubstantially rigid or non-elastic material. It is to be understoodrigid, as used herein, refers to materials that are less elastic thanelements described herein as elastic. For example, a substantially hardplastic may still flex and bend, but may not stretch (e.g., along aperimeter of the headwear 100). An elastic portion may include portionsof the tabs that attach to the crown 104 in FIG. 2. In contrast to therigid portions of the tabs, the elastic portions stretch along aperimeter of the headwear 100.

As used herein, the term elastic may refer to the elastic characteristicof the material used in the elastic portion. For example, an elasticportion may include any suitable object or material that is able toresume its normal (e.g., unstretched/resting) shape spontaneously aftercontraction, dilation, or distortion (e.g., stretching). Elasticportions may include any suitable cord, tap, or fabric, which may bewoven with strips of rubber or other elastic/elastomeric materials,and/or other material(s)/composite(s) having the features describedabove that returns to its original length or shape after beingstretched. In some examples, elastic portions may include tape made ofplastic or other materials that form a flat, smooth, and/or non-roundedstrip that may lie flat with the hat and/or follow contours of the hatsuch that there are no protrusions that may cause discomfort to awearer.

In FIG. 2, the attachment points 402 a and 402 b of the elastic portionsof tabs 208 and 212, respectively, are substantially equally distantfrom a center of the opening 206. In other words, the attachment points402 a and 402 b may be equally distant from an edge (404 a or 404 b) ofthe opening 206 on an associated side of headwear 100, where the sidesof the hat are approximately separated from one another along axis 406which extends through the center of opening 206. In other embodiments,the distance between the attachment points 402 a/402 b of the elasticportions and the center of opening 206 may be different for eachattachment point. In such examples, the rigid portion of the tabs 208and 212 that engage with one another may be off-center with respect tothe opening 206 or the elastic portions of tabs 208 and 212 may havedifferent lengths from one another. It is to be understood thatattachment or coupling, as used throughout the disclosure, may refer toany suitable coupling mechanism, including but not limited to attaching,stitching, gluing, adhering, chemical bonding, sewing, etc. Particularcoupling mechanisms may be performed to provide advantages relating tothat coupling mechanism, and disclosure of a particular couplingmechanism to join two or more elements together may be understood toalso cover the disclosure of any other suitable coupling mechanism tojoin those two or more elements together.

The attachment points 402 a and 402 b may include one or more attachmentmechanisms. For example, the elastic portions of the tabs may beattached to the crown and/or headband via stitching, gluing, grommets,magnets, and/or any other suitable mechanical or chemical fasteningmechanism. Although only one attachment point is shown for each tab 208and 212, it is to be understood that the elastic and/or rigid portionsof the tabs may be attached to the crown and/or headband via two or moreattachment points. It is to be further understood that any of theabove-described attachment mechanisms may be used in any combination toprovide the attachment points for each of the tabs.

As shown at 408 a and 408 b, the tabs 208 and 212, respectively, mayinclude a rigid spine. The rigid spine may be another rigid portion ofthe tabs that is configured to provide structural support for thecorresponding elastic portion of that tab. The rigid spines 408 a and408 b may include a rectangular strip of rigid material having aplurality of protrusions spaced from one another and extending from therectangular strip toward a bottom and a top of the headwear. The rigidspines 408 a and 408 b may be encased in and/or integrated with aportion of the elastic portion of the respective tabs 208 and 212. Forexample, the elastic material may be overmolded over the rigid spinessuch that the elastic material is adjacent to all surfaces of the rigidspines, thereby integrating the rigid spines into the elastic material.The rigid spines may extend from an attachment point of a first rigidportion of the respective tab (e.g., the rigid portion that is exposedand/or configured to engage with the rigid portion of the other tab) tothe elastic portion of the respective tab, and may terminate prior toreaching an attachment point of the elastic portion of the respectivetab to the crown 104 and/or headband 202. The rigid spines may includeone or more holes for increased flexibility and to allow the elasticmaterial to attach to an increased surface area of the rigid material,creating further chemical and mechanical bonds between the twomaterials. Although each tab is illustrated as including a rigid spine,it is to be understood that in other embodiments, only one tab orneither tab may include a rigid spine.

It is to be understood that the rigid spines may have any suitablearrangement, shape, position, etc. For example, one or more rigid spinesmay be positioned at any region along the length of the elastic portionof a tab (e.g., closer to an opening in the crown, closer to anattachment point of the tab to the hat/headband, in a center of the tab,etc.) and/or along a height of the elastic portion of the tab (e.g.,closer to the top of the tab, closer to the bottom of the tab, at acenter of the tab, etc.). If both tabs of the hat include a spine, thespine(s) of one tab may be located in a different region of that tabthan the spine(s) of the other tab. In additional or alternativenon-limiting examples, a plurality of spines may be distributed next toeach other along a length of a tab (e.g., spaced from one another oradjacent to one another with contacting surfaces) and/or distributedabove/below each other along a height of the tab (e.g., spaced from oneanother or adjacent to one another with contacting surfaces). In furtheradditional or alternative non-limiting examples, one or more spines of ahat may have different structural features, such as irregularlyspaced/sized protrusions from a center of the spine, dimples or detentsin regions of the spine, spikes or jagged edges along the spine, roughand/or smooth material along different regions of the spine, etc. Insome non-limiting examples, the material used in the spine may differ indifferent regions of the spine. The spine may also have differentthicknesses in different regions of the structure. As a non-limitingexample, protrusions of the spine may be thinner than a center of thespine. It is to be understood that other example configurations of rigidmaterial may be provided to form the spines described herein.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a bottom of headwear 100. Asillustrated, attachment point 402 a is located between an edge of theopening 206 and an edge 502 of the visor 102 (e.g., a location at whichthe edge of the visor intersects with the crown 104). In other examples,the respective elastic portion of each of the tabs may be configured toextend along less than half of the circumference of the perimeter of thecrown. For example, the elastic portion of tab 208 may attach to thecrown and/or headband/sweatband along one or more points in attachmentregion 504. In this way, the elastic portion of tab 208 may extend fromthe rigid portion of tab 208 to any location along the perimeter of thecrown 104 between the opening 206 and the edge 502 of visor 102. Inother examples, the attachment region may extend to occupy approximatelyhalf of the perimeter of the crown 104. It is to be understood that theelastic portion of tab 208 may extend from the rigid portion of tab 208to any location along the perimeter of the crown in some examples,including but not limited to extending all of the way around theperimeter to another rigid portion of a tab on the opposite side ofopening 206 from tab 208. The perimeter of the crown may also includemultiple sections of material having different properties, each sectionof material joined to another section of material at different regionsalong the perimeter. For example, elastic portion of tab 208 may attachto the crown and/or headband/sweatband along one or more points inattachment region 504, and another region of elastic material may extendbetween two additional points along the perimeter of the crown.

FIGS. 4A-4B show example elastic snapback sizing mechanisms 600 a and600 b. In FIG. 4A, a first tab 602 a includes a rigid portion 604 a witha plurality of holes for engaging with a second tab 603 a. First tab 602a also includes an elastic portion 606 a (e.g., an elastic strap)extending from an attachment point 608 a at which the elastic portion606 a is joined to the rigid portion 604 a. Second tab 603 a includes arigid portion 605 a and an elastic portion 607 a, which join at anattachment point 609 a.

In FIG. 4B, tabs 602 b and 603 b include two rigid portions each—thefirst rigid portion 604 b/605 b, which engages with the other firstrigid portion of the other respective tab, and second rigid portion 606b/607 b (e.g., a rigid spine), which does not engage with the other tab.The tabs also include respective elastic portions 608 b/609 b.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example snapback mechanism 700 positionedoff-centered from a rear of a hat and including a sheathed elasticportion. As illustrated therein, the snapback mechanism 700 includes afirst tab 702 and a second tab 704. The first tab 702 includes a rigidportion 706 a, which includes a plurality of holes for engaging snaps ofthe second tab 704. Attached to a terminal end of the rigid portion 706a is an elastic portion 708. In this example, the elastic portion 708comprises an elastic strip (e.g., a rectangular elastic strip ofmaterial) sheathed and/or housed within a rigid and/or less elasticmaterial (e.g., fabric). The sheathing material is configured toaccommodate the length of the elastic strip when the elastic strip isstretched (e.g., when stretched to a maximum length of the elasticstrip). Accordingly, while the elastic strip is not stretched (e.g., tothe maximum length), the sheathing material gathers or bunches aroundthe elastic strip.

The second tab 704 only includes a rigid portion 706 b, which isattached to an outer surface (e.g., away from a wearer when worn) of thecrown 710. The rigid portion 706 b includes a plurality of snapsconfigured to be inserted and secured within holes of the rigid portion706 a of the first tab 702 when the sizing mechanism 700 is in a lockedposition. As illustrated, the second tab 704 only occupies a region ofthe hat on one side of opening 712 in the crown 710, and does not extendwithin the opening 712.

The elastic portion 708 of the first tab 702 may be positioned such thatit is sandwiched between an outer portion of the crown 710 of the hatand a headband/sweatband 802 (shown in more detail in FIG. 6). Forexample, the elastic portion 708 passes through a pocket formed betweenthe crown 710 and the headband/sweatband 802. For example, the elasticportion 708 may extend around the perimeter of the crown 710 to the sideof opening 712, but may be at least partially obscured by the crown onthe outer region of the hat and the headband/sweatband on the innerregion of the hat.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the tabs of snapback mechanism 700 in an exampleunlatched (e.g., unsecured to one another) configuration. FIG. 5 showsan unlatched first tab 702. In some examples, the elastic portion 708includes two terminal ends opposite of one another. A first terminal end902 of the elastic portion 708 is attached to a terminal end of rigidportion 706 a. In the illustrated example, both the elastic strip withinthe sheathing material and the sheathing material itself is attached tothe terminal end of the rigid portion 706 a. A second terminal end 904of the elastic portion 708 is attached to the hat between the crown andthe headband/sweatband. As illustrated, the second terminal end 904 isattached a short distance from an edge of opening 712 of the crown 710.However, it is to be understood that the second terminal end 904 may beattached directly to the edge of the opening 712 and/or any suitabledistance from the edge of the opening 712 (e.g., extending up to halfwayaround the perimeter of the crown 710 and/or between the edge of theopening and an intersection of a visor of the hat and the crown on thatside of the hat). It is to be further understood that the attachmentpoint on the elastic portion 708 may not be positioned at the edge ofthe second terminal end 904. For example, a small amount of the elasticportion 708 (e.g., less than 5% of the total length of the elasticportion when the elastic is not stretched) may extend past theattachment point of the elastic portion 708 to the hat. The attachmentpoint may include an attachment to the crown 710 and/or theheadband/sweatband 802, and multiple attachment points may be providedin some examples.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of unlatched first tab 702 and an unlatchedsecond tab 704. The unlatched second tab 704 includes two terminal endsopposite of one another. A first terminal end 1102 includes an outermostsnap 1103, which may be utilized to provide the largest hat/crown sizewhen the outermost hole 1105 of the first tab 702 is secured thereto(e.g., in a latched configuration). In the illustrated example, thefirst terminal end 1102 is positioned at an edge of opening 712 in crown710. A second terminal end 1104 of the second tab 704 is positioned at apoint along a perimeter of crown 710 away from opening 712. Accordingly,in the illustrated example, the second tab 704 is positioned on one sideof the opening 712 and does not extend past the opening 712. It is to beunderstood that in other examples, one or both of the terminal ends of asecond tab may extend past the edge of the opening 712 (e.g., toward anopposite side of the opening).

As the second tab 704 is positioned to the side of the opening 712, thesecond tab 704 may be attached to the hat (e.g., to the crown 710 and/orthe headband/sweatband 802) in multiple locations. For example, both thefirst and second terminal ends 1102 and 1104 may be attached to thecrown 710. In other examples, the entire length of the second tab 704may be attached to the crown (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, and/orother attachment mechanisms that span the length of the tab and/or acircumference/perimeter of the tab). Any suitable number of attachmentpoints and/or portion of the second tab 704 may be attached to the hat.While the second tab is illustrated as facing an outer surface of thehat (e.g., attached on the outer surface of the crown 710), in otherexamples, the second tab 704 may be attached to an inner surface of thehat. For example, the second tab 704 may be rotated such that the snapsextend into an interior of the hat (e.g., opposite of the illustrateddirection), and the second tab may be secured to an inner surface (e.g.,a wearer-side surface) of the headband/sweatband 802. Such anarrangement may enable the snapback mechanism to be hidden on aninterior of the hat. As such an arrangement may cause the snapbackmechanism to directly contact a wearer's head, a moveable flap ofmaterial or other covering mechanism may be added over the mechanism toallow access to the snapback mechanism during adjustment while providinga barrier between the mechanism (e.g., the rigid portions of themechanism) and the wearer.

FIG. 7 shows an example snapback mechanism 1200 including elasticportions disposed in a pocket between a headband/sweatband and anexterior of a crown of a hat. FIG. 7 shows an interior view of a firsttab 1202 of the example snapback mechanism 1200. In FIG. 7, a rear viewof a rigid portion 1204 of the first tab 1202 is illustrated asextending past a terminal end of a headband/sweatband 1206 and an edgeof crown 1208. In the illustrated example, the rigid portion 1204extends partly between a pocket formed between the crown 1208 and theheadband/sweatband 1206.

In an unextended state, an elastic portion of the first tab 1202 may behoused between the crown 1208 and the headband/sweatband 1206. In theillustrated example, the elastic portion does not extend past an edge ofthe crown 1208. The headband/sweatband 1206 may be attached to the crown1208 along a bottom perimeter of the crown 1208 so as to create a pockethousing the elastic portion of the first tab 1202.

FIG. 7 also shows an unextended elastic portion of a second tab 1402 ofthe example snapback mechanism. The second tab 1402 includes a rigidportion 1304, which extends partly into a pocket formed between theheadband/sweatband 1206 and the crown 1208 (e.g., at an oppositeterminal end of the headband/sweatband than the first tab 1202). Thesecond tab 1402 also includes an elastic portion 1306, which is fullyhoused in the pocket between the headband/sweatband 1206 and the crown1208 in an unextended state. When force is applied to pull the elasticportion 1306 of the second tab 1402, the elastic portion may extendbeyond an edge of the crown 1208 and outside of the pocket formedbetween the headband/sweatband 1206 and the crown 1208.

The example elastic snapback mechanisms disclosed herein provide anincreased granularity to the available sizes of headwear utilizingsnapback mechanisms by allowing wearers to stretch the tabs of thesnapback mechanism in order to achieve a comfortably snug fit along asweatband of the headwear. Such modifications of the traditionalsnapback mechanism preserve the overall ease of use, adjustability, andappearance of that headwear adjustment mechanism while providing thecomfort of an elastic headband.

The above examples largely incorporate snapback adjustable sizingmechanisms for hats. However, it is to be understood that the elasticadjustment mechanisms described therein may be applied to any othersuitable adjustable sizing mechanism. FIGS. 8A-11C provide examplealternative elastic adjustment mechanisms that may include elasticfeatures as described above and below. In each example, one or more endsof the sizing mechanism may be provided with an elastic overmold, whichincludes an elastic material overmolded over a rigid or less elasticmaterial (e.g., a material having a lower elasticity than the elasticmaterial). In this way, the elastic material provides for comfort andfine adjustment of the mechanism, while the rigid or less elasticmaterial provides for anchoring, guiding, and/or strengthening themechanism.

FIGS. 8A-8C show example pullable tab elastic adjustment mechanisms.FIG. 8A is a rear view of an example headwear, such as a hat 1600including a pullable tab elastic adjustment mechanism 1602. Themechanism 1602 may be positioned similarly to the snapback mechanismsdescribed above. For example, although shown substantially centered inthe rear of the hat 1600, mechanism 1602 may be attached such that oneor more tabs/straps extend toward a side of the hat (e.g., as shown inFIG. 6 with regards to the snapback mechanism). Mechanism 1602 mayinclude a fixed strap 1604 and a pullable strap 1606, as well as a loop1608. Fixed strap 1604 may be substantially fixed (e.g., attached viaany suitable mechanism, such as glued, sewn, stapled, stitched, and/orotherwise secured) to the hat 1600 at a first end (e.g., secured to aheadband of the hat) and coupled to the loop 1608 at a second endopposite the first end. In some examples, the fixed strap 1604 may beformed as a folded strap, such that one of two terminating ends of thefolded strap (the two terminating ends being opposite one another alongthe longest dimension of the strap) is passed through the loop 1608 andthe two terminating ends are fastened to the headband of the hat (e.g.,in an interior of the hat).

Similarly to the fixed strap, the pullable strap 1606 may have twoterminating ends (e.g., opposite one another along the longest dimensionof the strap), one of which is substantially fixed (e.g., attached viaany suitable mechanism, such as glued, sewn, stapled, stitched, and/orotherwise secured) to the hat on an opposite side of an opening in thecrown 1614 from the attachment point of the fixed strap 1604. The otherterminating end of the pullable strap 1606 (e.g., which is not fixed tothe hat) may be passed through the loop 1608 and pulled to adjust a sizeof the hat. For example, all or a portion of the pullable strap 1606 mayinclude hook and loop or other removable fastening material to allow oneterminating end of the pullable strap to be pulled toward or away fromthe other terminating end to increase or decrease an overall/effectivecircumference of the headband. In other examples, the non-fixedterminating end of the pullable strap 1606 may include a button or otherfastener that may be attached to one or more other points on the hat tomaintain an adjusted circumference of the headband after pulling thenon-fixed terminating end a desired extent. The pullable strap 1606 mayinclude a tab 1610 to assist in pulling the non-fixed terminating end ofthe strap.

FIG. 8B is a detailed view of the adjustment mechanism 1602. Asillustrated, the adjustment mechanism further includes spines 1612 a and1612 b. The illustrated shape of the spines is exemplary, as anysuitable rigid or semi-rigid structure overmolded with an elasticmaterial (e.g., a material more elastic than the spine) may be utilizedas the spine. For example, one or both of the straps 1604 and 1606 mayinclude an elastic overmold such that elastic material is chemically andmechanically coupled (e.g., bound) to the associated spine. The spines1612 a and/or 1612 b may provide a rigid structure to assist theassociated strap with maintaining a desired shape and provide strengthas the straps are adjusted to change a size of the hat. The spines mayalso guide movement of the straps in the longitudinal direction whenpulled in order to prevent twisting of the straps. In some examples, oneor both of the straps 1604 and 1606 may be attached to respectiveelastic straps overmolded over respective spines, such that the elasticstraps permit additional movement of the one or both straps 1604 and1606. In such examples, the straps 1604 and/or 1606 may be attached tothe hat via the additional elastic straps. In other examples, the straps1604 and/or 1606 may be attached directly to the hat and via theadditional elastic straps in a reinforced manner.

Although a single spine is illustrated in each of fixed strap 1604 andpullable strap 1606, it is to be understood that one or more spines maybe included in one or both of the straps 1604 and 1606. For example, asingle spine may be included in fixed strap 1604 and no spine may beincluded in pullable strap 1606 or vice versa. In other examples, one orboth straps may include multiple spines. The spines may be positioned inany suitable location and extend for any suitable length to provide thestructural support described above. In some examples, spines 1612 a and1612 b may correspond to rigid spines 408 a and 408 b of FIG. 2.Accordingly, spines 1612 a and 1612 b may include any one or more of thefeatures of rigid spines 408 a and 408 b described above with respect toFIG. 2. FIG. 8C shows an isometric view of hat 1600. One or both strapsmay include the same material as the crown of the hat (e.g., as an outercovering; other material, such as a hook and loop material for pullablestrap, may be used for an interior region of the strap).

FIGS. 9A-9C show example hook and loop elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.9A is a rear view of a hat 1700 including a hook and loop elasticadjustment mechanism 1702. The mechanism 1702 may be positionedsimilarly to the snapback mechanisms described above. For example,although shown substantially centered in the rear of the hat 1700,mechanism 1702 may be attached such that one or more tabs/straps extendtoward a side of the hat (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 with regards to thesnapback mechanism). Mechanism 1702 may include a fixed strap 1704 and apullable strap 1706. Fixed strap 1704 may be substantially fixed (e.g.,attached via any suitable mechanism, such as glued, sewn, stapled,stitched, and/or otherwise secured) to the hat 1700 at a first end(e.g., secured to a headband of the hat) and free (in an unfastenedcondition) or attached to the pullable strap 1706 (in a fastenedcondition) at a second end opposite the first end. The pullable strap1706 may be arranged similarly to the fixed strap 1704 (e.g., fixed tothe hat at one end and free/fixed to the fixed strap 1704 at an oppositeend), and may include a tab 1710 to facilitate adjustment of the strap(e.g., pulling it toward the fixed end of the fixed strap 1704 totighten the hat). An interior surface of the pullable strap 1706 may beconfigured to be in face-sharing contact with an exterior surface of thefixed strap 1704 to maintain a desired headband circumference (e.g., tochange a distance between regions of the headband that terminate at anopening of crown 1714 of hat 1700). Accordingly, the interior surface ofthe pullable strap and the exterior surface of the fixed strap mayinclude hook and loop material (e.g., one surface including hookmaterial and one surface including loop material). It is to beunderstood that other fastening mechanisms may be used, such as buttons,adhesive, and/or other suitable fasteners in order to join the surfacestogether.

Similarly to the pullable strap adjustment mechanism described abovewith respect to FIGS. 8A-8C, one or both of the straps 1704 and 1706 mayinclude elastic material overmolded over rigid or semi-rigid spines 1712a/1712 b, as illustrated in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9C shows an isometric view ofhat 1700. One or both straps may include the same material as the crownof the hat (e.g., as an outer/inner covering; other material, such as ahook and loop material, may be used for an interior/exterior region ofthe strap).

FIGS. 10A-10C show example buckle elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.10A is a rear view of a hat 1800 including a buckle elastic adjustmentmechanism 1802. The mechanism 1802 may be positioned similarly to thesnapback mechanisms described above. For example, although shownsubstantially centered in the rear of the hat 1800, mechanism 1802 maybe attached such that one or more tabs/straps extend toward a side ofthe hat (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 with regards to the snapbackmechanism). Mechanism 1802 may include a fixed strap 1804 and a pullablestrap 1806. Fixed strap 1804 may be substantially fixed (e.g., attachedvia any suitable mechanism, such as glued, sewn, stapled, stitched,and/or otherwise secured) to the hat 1800 at a first end (e.g., securedto a headband of the hat) and free (in an unfastened condition) orattached to the pullable strap 1806 (in a fastened condition) at asecond end opposite the first end. The pullable strap 1806 may bearranged similarly to the fixed strap 1804 (e.g., fixed to the hat atone end and free/fixed to the fixed strap 1804 at another part of thestrap). Each of the fixed strap 1804 and the pullable strap 1806 mayinclude a portion of a buckle 1808 (e.g., at a terminating end of thefixed strap 1804 and along the length of the pullable strap 1806,respectively). The portions of the buckle on each strap may beconfigured to connect to one another in a fastened condition, asillustrated in FIG. 10A. The portion of the buckle 1808 included in thepullable strap 1806 may include a loop through which a terminating endof the pullable strap 1806 may be passed and pulled to tighten the hat(e.g., to change a circumference of the headband of the hat by changinga distance between regions of the headband that terminate at an openingof crown 1814 of hat 1800).

Similarly to the pullable strap adjustment mechanism described abovewith respect to FIGS. 8A-8C, one or both of the straps 1804 and 1806 mayinclude elastic material overmolded over rigid or semi-rigid spines 1812a/1812 b, as illustrated in FIG. 10B. FIG. 10C shows an isometric viewof hat 1800.

FIGS. 11A-11C show example ballistic elastic adjustment mechanisms inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.11A is a rear view of a hat 1900 including a ballistic elasticadjustment mechanism 1902. The mechanism 1902 may be positionedsimilarly to the snapback mechanisms described above. For example,although shown substantially centered in the rear of the hat 1900,mechanism 1902 may be attached such that one or more tabs/straps extendtoward a side of the hat (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 with regards to thesnapback mechanism). Mechanism 1902 may include a fixed loop structure1904 and a pullable strap 1906. Fixed loop structure 1904 may besubstantially fixed (e.g., attached via any suitable mechanism, such asglued, sewn, stapled, stitched, and/or otherwise secured) to the hat1900 to provide a series of loops that may accept a hook 1908 disposedon the pullable strap 1906. The pullable strap 1806 may be fixed to thehat at one end and free (in an unfastened condition) or fixed (in afastened condition) to the fixed loop structure 1904 at another part ofthe strap. The pullable strap 1806 may be pulled toward the fixed loopstructure 1904 and the hook inserted into a selected loop of the fixedloop structure to tighten the hat (e.g., to change a circumference ofthe headband of the hat by changing a distance between regions of theheadband that terminate at an opening of crown 1914 of hat 1900).

Similarly to the pullable strap adjustment mechanism described abovewith respect to FIGS. 8A-8C, the pullable strap 1906 may include elasticmaterial overmolded over one or more rigid or semi-rigid spines 1912, asillustrated in FIG. 11B. FIG. 11C shows an isometric view of hat 1900.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show different views of an example headband 2000including an elastic sizing adjustment mechanism 2006. FIG. 12A shows anisometric view of the headband 2000. The headband 2000 may include anycombination of components and materials to form an adjustablecrown-sizing feature of a hat. For example, headband 2000 may include asweatband 2002, having two terminating ends that are each attached to arespective strap 2004 (e.g., via a flange, as described in more detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 15-17). The straps 2004 may be furtherattached to a sizing mechanism 2006. The illustrated example shows asnap-back sizing mechanism, such as that described in FIGS. 2-4B, but itis to be understood that any suitable sizing mechanism may beincorporated in the headband 2000, including but not limited to thosedescribed above with respect to FIGS. 8A-11C. Although shown as singleelements, it is to be understood that sweatband 2002 and straps 2004 mayinclude multiple sections and/or may be formed of composite materials.In some examples, sweatband 2002 may not extend fully between straps2004, but rather may include two or more sweatband sections that areattached to an interior of a crown of a hat. It is to be understood thatheadband 2000 may be incorporated into any suitable hat, including butnot limited to those specifically described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, sweatband 2002 may be attached to strap 2004at one or more attachment points 2008. The attachment points 2008 mayinclude any suitable fastening mechanism, including but not limited tothose specifically described herein. For example, as described in moredetail below, a terminating end of sweatband 2002 may be inserted into aslot formed between outer and inner surfaces of a terminating end ofstrap 2004 and stitching may be passed from the outer surface of theterminating end of the strap, through the sweatband, and through theinner surface of the terminating end of the strap to secure thesweatband in the slot. In other examples, the slot may be lined withglue or other adhesives to secure the sweatband therein. In still otherexamples, the sweatband may be mechanically secured in the slot (e.g.,mechanically clamped, such that protruding features within the slot arepressed through the sweatband).

The straps may be attached at an opposite terminating end (e.g.,opposite to the terminating end that is attached to the sweatband) to arigid structure and/or other feature of sizing mechanism 2006. Thestraps 2004 may be attached to the sizing mechanism 2006 in any suitablemanner, including but not limited to those described above with respectto attaching the straps to the sweatband. In some examples, the samemechanism may be used to attach the strap to both the sweatband and thesizing mechanism. In other examples, different mechanisms may be used toattach the straps to the sweatband and the sizing mechanism. FIG. 12Bshows a front view of headband 2000, including attachment points 2010 atwhich the straps 2004 are attached to the sizing mechanism 2006.

FIG. 13 shows an example view of overmolding within an example headband2100 of a hat. For example, spine structures 2102 and 2104, which may beformed similarly to rigid spines 408 a and 408 b of FIG. 2, may extendfrom tabs of a sizing mechanism 2106 and attachment points 2108,respectively. Straps 2110 may include elastomeric material overmoldedover the spine structures 2102 and 2104 to form an elastic copolymerovermold. Attachment points 2108 may connect the sizing mechanism 2106(e.g., via straps 2110) to a region of a hat (e.g., a sweatband of a hator other material in a perimeter portion of a crown of the hat), whichmay be formed of any suitable material. As discussed above with respectto rigid spines 408 a and 408 b, the overmolding may promote structuralintegrity near points of attachment to control a direction of elasticstretching and retain a shape of the headband.

FIG. 14 shows an example detail view of overmolding within an exampleelastic member 2200. Elastic member 2200 may include an elastomericstrap 2202 including one or more spine structures 2204 a and optionally2204 b extending from attachment points 2206. As shown by the dashedlines, spine structure 2204 b is optional and may be omitted in exampleswhere only one end of the elastic member 2200 is to be reinforced. Forexample, the terminating end at attachment points 2206 of the elasticmember that is closest to spine structure 2204 may be attached to asizing mechanism, while the other terminating end at attachment point2206 may be attached to a sweatband of a hat or may extend continuouslyaround a perimeter of the hat in order to allow the elastic member 2200itself to serve as the sweatband of the hat. In this example, spinestructure 2204 b may not be included, and the elastic member 2200 mayonly include one spine structure. In other examples, where reinforcementat both terminating ends is used, the elastic member 2200 may includeboth spine structures 2204 a and 2204 b near opposing terminating endsof the elastic member. In still other examples, one or more spinestructures may be disposed at any suitable location(s) along the lengthof the elastic member 2200. The above-described elements of elasticmember 2200 may be similar to the likewise-named elements of headband2100, and the above-description of such elements may thereby apply toelastomeric strap 2202, spine structures 2204, and attachment points2206. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in some examples, strap 2202 may extendfrom one attachment point to another, without including a specificsizing mechanism there between. Strap 2202 may enable any two structuresto be attached to one another via an elastic intermediary element byattaching to the two structures at respective attachment points 2206.Accordingly, elastic member 2200 may be coupled to a sizing mechanism atone terminating end (e.g., via one attachment point 2206) and a headbandor other hat feature at an opposite terminating end (e.g., via the otherattachment point 2206). In another example, two sections of a headbandmay be attached to one another via the elastic member 2200. The aboveexamples are non-limiting, and any two elements may be joined viaelastic member 2200 to allow the two elements to be elastically coupledto one another.

FIG. 15 shows a front isometric view of an example band 2300 including adouble-sided sew flange for an elastic sizing mechanism or othersuitable structure having multiple elements that are to be joinedtogether. Band 2300 may include a first band section 2302 joined to asecond band section 2304 via a double-sided sew flange 2306. The firstand second band sections 2302 and 2304 may include any suitable materialor combination of materials. In one example, band section 2302 mayinclude a terminating end of a sizing mechanism, which may be rigid orsemi-rigid in some examples, and band section 2304 may include aterminating end of a headband of a hat. Flange 2306 includes a pair ofslots 2308 with a buffer element 2310 disposed there between. Aterminating end of each of the band sections 2302 and 2304 may beinserted into a respective slot 2308 (e.g., to a maximum depth thatcorresponds to contacting the buffer 2310).

Stitching 2312 and/or any other suitable securing/fastening mechanismmay be utilized to secure/fasten the band sections within the respectiveslots. For example, the stitching may pass through holes 2314 andthrough the band sections to secure the band sections within the slot.In other examples, holes 2314 may represent a secondary securingmechanism (e.g., bolts/tacks or similar structures may be passed throughthe holes and the band sections to the other side of the flange). Theholes 2314 may additionally or alternatively serve as indicators toguide insertion of stitches and/or other fastening mechanisms. In someexamples, the flange 2306 may be at least semi-rigid to providestructural support for the band sections. In such examples, the flange2306 may also be semi-flexible to promote comfort (e.g., when the flangeis used to join material in a garment, such as a headband of a hat) anddurability (e.g., to allow some give while the band sections moverelative to one another).

FIG. 16 shows an example detail view of a long double-sided sew flange2400 for an elastic sizing mechanism or other suitable structure havingmultiple elements that are to be joined together. As illustrated, flange2400 may include two terminating ends 2402 that include slots 2404formed within an opening between a front surface 2406 and a rear surface2408 of the flange 2400. As described above with respect to FIGS.12A-15, two pieces of material that are to be joined may each beinserted into respective slots. In some examples, stitching, clamping,or other fastening mechanisms may be used to secure the material withinthe slots. Additionally or alternatively, the material may be securedwithin the slots due to a texture pattern of an interior of the slotsand/or adhesive material disposed within and/or around the slots. Theslots may form an “H” bracket or coupler and may include indicators forguiding application of stitching, clamping, or other fasteningmechanisms.

FIG. 17 shows an example headband 2500 of a hat including a double-sidedsew flange 2502 coupling a first material 2504 to a second material2506. As described above, the two joined materials 2504 and 2506 maycomprise any suitable material, and may include material of a sizingmechanism and a headband, respectively, in some examples. Detail A ofFIG. 17 shows a close-up view of a slot 2508 of flange 2502. As shown, aterminating end of each of the front surface 2510 and rear surface 2512of the flange 2502 may be rounded in order to provide a gradualtransition between the flange and the material 2506. As shown, there maybe a gap between the material 2506 and one or more regions of theinterior of the slot. The gap may be filled with an adhesive and/ormechanically closed over the material by way of stitching, clamping,etc. In other examples, the gap (e.g., a gap between the two sections ofmaterial 2504 and 2506) may be maintained to allow additionalstretching/movement during use. The size of the slot (e.g., the width,height, thickness, etc.) may be based on the material being insertedtherein and/or may be a function of the overall width/height/thicknessof the flange. Example dimensions of the flange may include ¾″ high(e.g., from a bottom to a top), 1-1.5″ wide (e.g., between terminatingends and/or between slot openings), with a slot opening that measures25/1000″ between interiors of the front and rear surfaces of theterminating ends of the flange. It is to be understood that thesemeasurements are exemplary in nature, and any suitable dimensions may beutilized. The flange may be made of any suitable material, including butnot limited to polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, and/or othersoft-durable material.

In some examples, the flange may be a part of a kit or assembly foradapting a hat with an elastic sizing mechanism. For example, the kit orassembly may include the flange and one or both materials insertedtherein. The material(s) may be attached to existing features of the hatto adapt the hat. For example, the material(s) may include a sizingmechanism and/or an elastomeric strap. Attaching these materials to oneanother and the hat via the flange enables the hat to be easily adaptedto include an elastic sizing mechanism. In some examples, the flangeitself may be formed of elastomeric material. In such examples, theflange may be attached to a rigid portion of a sizing mechanism via oneslot and to a headband of a hat via another slot, the flange providingadditional flexibility when using the sizing mechanism.

The disclosure above also provides for headwear including a crownincluding a cap, and a size-adjusting mechanism extending around aportion of a perimeter of the cap and adapted to selectively adjust asize of the cap, the size-adjusting mechanism comprising a first tabincluding a plurality of holes, and a second tab including a pluralityof snaps configured to engage with the plurality of holes of the firsttab, at least one of the first tab and the second tab being coupled tothe perimeter of the cap via an elastic portion attached to a terminalend of a rigid portion of that tab. In a first example of the headwear,the headwear may include a visor extending from the cap and a headbandextending around a portion of the perimeter of an interior of the capand including terminating ends that are spaced from one another at anopening in a rear of the cap. A second example of the headwearoptionally includes the first example, and further includes the headwearwherein the elastic portion of the first tab and/or the second tab isattached between the headband and the crown and wherein at least aportion of the elastic portion that is attached between the headband andthe crown extends within a pocket formed between the headband and thecrown. A third example of the headwear optionally includes one or moreof the first and the second examples, and further includes the headwearwherein the elastic portion of the first tab and/or the second tabcomprises an elastic strap extending from the terminal end of that tabto an attachment point on the perimeter of the cap, the attachment pointfor the elastic strap being positioned between an edge of the visor andan edge of the opening in the rear of the cap, the edge of the openingin the rear of the cap being on the same side of the cap as the edge ofthe visor. A fourth example of the headwear optionally includes one ormore of the first through the third examples, and further includes theheadwear wherein each of the first tab and the second tab is coupled tothe perimeter of the cap via a respective elastic portion attached to aterminal end of the rigid portion of that tab. A fifth example of theheadwear optionally includes one or more of the first through the fourthexamples, and further includes the headwear wherein the respectiveelastic portion of each of the first tab and the second tab isconfigured to extend along less than half of the circumference of theperimeter of the crown. A sixth example of the headwear optionallyincludes one or more of the first through the fifth examples, andfurther includes the headwear wherein a distance between the attachmentpoint for the elastic strap of the first tab and a first edge of theopening in the rear of the cap is substantially equal to a distancebetween the attachment point for the elastic strap of the second tab anda second edge of the opening, the second edge of the opening beingopposite from the first edge of the opening respective to a center ofthe opening. A seventh example of the headwear optionally includes oneor more of the first through the sixth examples, and further includesthe headwear wherein a distance between the attachment point for theelastic strap of the first tab and a first edge of the opening in therear of the cap is different than a distance between the attachmentpoint for the elastic strap of the second tab and a second edge of theopening, the second edge of the opening being opposite from the firstedge of the opening respective to a center of the opening. An eighthexample of the headwear optionally includes one or more of the firstthrough the seventh examples, and further includes the headwear whereinthe elastic portion of the first tab and/or the second tab is attachedto a respective edge of the opening at an opposite end of the elasticportion than the rigid portion of that tab. A ninth example of theheadwear optionally includes one or more of the first through the eighthexamples, and further includes the headwear wherein the elastic portionof the first tab and/or the second tab is attached at two or morepositions between an edge of the opening and an edge of the visor, theedge of the opening and the edge of the visor being on the same side ofthe headwear. A tenth example of the headwear optionally includes one ormore of the first through the ninth examples, and further includes theheadwear wherein the rigid portion of the first tab and/or the secondtab is attached to one or more of the headband and the crown. Aneleventh example of the headwear optionally includes one or more of thefirst through the tenth examples, and further includes the headwearwherein the elastic portion comprises an elastic strap encased in fabricand attached to at least one of the first tab and the second tab. Atwelfth example of the headwear optionally includes one or more of thefirst through the eleventh examples, and further includes the headwearwherein the rigid portion of the first tab and/or the second tabcomprises a first rigid portion, the first tab and/or the second tabfurther comprising a rigid spine encased in a portion of the elasticportion of the first tab and/or the second tab. A thirteenth example ofthe headwear optionally includes one or more of the first through thetwelfth examples, and further includes the headwear wherein the rigidspine comprises a rectangular strip of rigid material having a pluralityof protrusions spaced from one another and extending from therectangular strip toward a bottom and a top of the headwear. Afourteenth example of the headwear optionally includes one or more ofthe first through the thirteenth examples, and further includes theheadwear wherein the rigid spine extends from an attachment point of thefirst rigid portion of the first tab and/or the second tab to theelastic portion of the first tab and/or the second tab, and terminatesprior to reaching an attachment point of the elastic portion of thefirst tab and/or the second tab to the cap.

The disclosure also provides for headwear including a crown including acap, and a size-adjusting mechanism extending around only a portion of aperimeter of the cap and adapted to selectively adjust a size of thecap, the size-adjusting mechanism comprising a first tab including aplurality of holes, and a second tab including a plurality of snapsconfigured to engage with the plurality of holes of the first tab, eachof the first tab and the second tab being coupled to the perimeter ofthe cap via an elastic portion attached to a terminal end of a rigidportion of that tab. A first example provides for the headwear whereinthe elastic portion of the first tab and the second tab is configured tobe more elastic in a direction extending along the perimeter of the capthan a direction extending from a bottom of the cap to a top of the cap.

The disclosure also provides for headwear including a crown including acap; and a size-adjusting mechanism extending around only a portion of aperimeter of the cap and adapted to selectively adjust a size of thecap, the size-adjusting mechanism comprising one or more straps, atleast one of the one or more straps being coupled to the perimeter ofthe cap via an elastic portion attached to a terminal end of a rigidportion of that strap or via an elastic portion integrated in thatstrap, the elastic portion comprising elastic material overmolded onto arigid structure.

The disclosure also provides for a kit for elasticizing a sizingmechanism for headwear, the kit including a double-sided sew flange, thedouble-sided sew flange having two terminating ends opposite oneanother, each terminating end including a slot for inserting material,and a size-adjusting mechanism adapted to selectively adjust a size ofthe cap, the size-adjusting mechanism being coupled to a firstterminating end of the two terminating ends of the double-sided sewflange via the slot of the first terminating end, at least one of thedouble-sided sew flange and the size-adjusting mechanism comprisingelastomeric material. A first example of the kit optionally includes thekit wherein a second terminating end of the two terminating ends iscoupled to a headband of the headwear. A second example of the kitoptionally includes the first example and further includes the kitwherein the double-sided sew flange comprises an elastic copolymerovermold, the elastic copolymer overmold comprising elastic materialovermolded onto a rigid structure. A third example of the kit optionallyincludes one or more of the first and the second examples and furtherincludes an elastomeric strap coupled to or extending from thesize-adjusting mechanism, wherein the size-adjusting mechanism iscoupled to the first terminating end of the double-sided sew flangeindirectly via the elastic strap, the elastic strap being attached toone of the two terminating ends of the double-sided sew flange.

The description of embodiments has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations tothe embodiments may be performed in light of the above description. Thedescribed example headwear are exemplary in nature, and may includeadditional elements and/or omit elements. The subject matter of thepresent disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations andsub-combinations of the various structures and configurations, and otherfeatures, functions, and/or properties disclosed.

As used in this application, an element or step recited in the singularand proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as notexcluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion isstated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “one example” ofthe present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excludingthe existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate therecited features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. areused merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements or a particular positional order on their objects. Thefollowing claims particularly point out subject matter from the abovedisclosure that is regarded as novel and non-obvious.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. Headwear comprising: a crown; a ballisticsize-adjusting mechanism extending around only a portion of a perimeterof the crown and adapted to selectively adjust a size of the crown, theballistic size-adjusting mechanism comprising a double-sided sew flange,a strap coupled to an inner surface of the perimeter of the crown viathe double-sided sew flange and a fixed loop structure directly coupledto an outer surface of the perimeter of the crown, the strap furthercomprising a hook adapted to be inserted into a selected loop of thefixed loop structure to adjust a circumference of the headwear, and thedouble-sided sew flange including a first slot and a second slotdisposed on opposing terminating ends of the double-sided sew flangefrom one another.
 12. The headwear of claim 11, wherein the hook iscoupled to a first terminating end of the strap and the double-sided sewflange is coupled directly to a second terminating end of the strap,opposite the first terminating end of the strap, via the first slot. 13.The headwear of claim 12, wherein the double-sided sew flange includeselastomeric material disposed between the first slot and the secondslot, and wherein the double-sided sew flange is directly coupled to theinner surface of the perimeter of the crown at the second slot.
 14. Theheadwear of claim 12, further comprising an elastomeric strap insertedin and attached directly to the second slot of the double-sided sewflange, the elastomeric strap coupled to the inner surface of theperimeter of the crown.
 15. The headwear of claim 14, wherein thedouble-sided sew flange is at least semi-rigid. 16-20. (canceled) 21.The headwear of claim 11, wherein first the slot and the second slot ofthe double-sided sew flange form an “H” bracket with the first slotforming a top opening of the “H” bracket, the second slot forming abottom opening of the “H” bracket, and an internal body of thedouble-sided sew flange forming a crossbar of the “H” bracket, theinternal body extending from the top opening to the bottom opening. 22.The headwear of claim 11, wherein the ballistic size-adjusting mechanismis centered at a rear of the headwear.
 23. The headwear of claim 11,wherein the crown is a cap configured to extend over a top of a wearer'shead.
 24. The headwear of claim 11, further comprising a visor coupledto the crown.